The Synagogue: Its History, Customs And Growth with Dr. Michael Pytlik
2024-11-14 12:00 - 13:30, 2024-11-21 12:00 - 13:30, 2024-12-05 12:00 - 13:30, 2024-12-12 12:00 - 13:30, 2024-12-19 12:00 - 13:30, 2025-01-09 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Detroit)
THE SYNAGOGUE: ITS HISTORY, CUSTOMS AND GROWTH with Dr. Michael Pytlik
ZOOM
THURSDAYS, NOON – 1:30 PM
Oct. 31; Nov. 7, 14, 21; Dec. 5, 12, 19; Jan. 9
The concept of the synagogue as a place of worship started long before the
destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 CE. The recent
uncovering of the remains of ancient synagogues has allowed us to trace the
synagogue’s development, both in form and function. Join Dr. Michael Pytlik as
he explores the evolution of the synagogue in Israel, the Near East and into
Europe, and discover the art, archaeology, liturgy and the religious use of
this important institution.
Tuition : $190
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/8595
Click here to join the livestream. http://jlearn.online

We Will Dance Again Film Screening
2024-11-17 17:00 - 19:15 | The J – Detroit 6600 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield Township
Join us for a powerful screening of the award-winning documentary "We Will
Dance Again," a profound chronicle of the October 7 Nova music festival
attack. Through intimate testimonies of over a dozen survivors and carefully
curated footage, the film offers a deeply moving portrayal of human courage in
the face of unimaginable circumstances.
The evening features an exclusive post-screening dialogue with director Yariv
Moser, producer Emilio Schenker and survivors from the Nova festival,
providing a rare opportunity to hear firsthand accounts and engage in
meaningful conversation about healing, memory, and hope.
This screening serves as both a testament to the strength of the human spirit
and a space for communal reflection and understanding. Recommended for ages 16
and up.
Seating is limited. Registration required.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/9529

One Year Later: Talking to Our Children in Today's World
2024-12-05 19:30 - 20:30 | The J – Detroit 6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield
It has been one year since the day that changed everything. One year later
and our children still have questions and we are so often at a loss for the
right words. The J invites you to a special conversation on talking to our
children about Israel, antisemitism and their own Jewish identity. The panel
will feature curated experts Rebecca Starr, Leah Blatnikoff and Brooke Bendix.
This program will feature panelist presentations and a short Q&A session.
Light refreshments will be served.
This evening is geared toward parents of children ages 10 and under.
Thank you to our host committee:
Alex Hartman
Lulu Hartman
Samantha Foon
Rebecca Weiner
Lauren Soleimani
Carly Pickel
Alex Mollen
Speaker Bios:
Rebecca Starr is the Vice President of Educational Operations and
Regional Strategy for the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, where she
leads the design and implementation process for educational initiatives and
guides the regional hubs across the US and Canada. She lives in Southfield,
Michigan and works closely with local partners and institutions throughout
southeast Michigan.
Rebecca is a respected educator and community organizer.
Leah Blatnikoff LMSW Psychotherapist, Therapyology
Hello! I’m Leah. Oftentimes kids and teens’ feelings are invalidated or told
that what they are experiencing is “not a big deal.” That can be very
frustrating, especially as a teen! My goal as a clinical social worker is to
help people, no matter their age, work through their trauma, anxieties, and
life struggles. I understand how trauma and life experiences can shape a child
or teen’s life which is why I am so passionate about helping youth through
these vulnerable years. Growing up with constant access to tech and social
media, especially during unprecedented times, is very tough! I want to support
you through it all.
Brooke Bendix, AM, LCSW is the founder of Therapyology and a Licensed
Clinical Social Worker who specializes in individual and group therapy for
kids, teens and adults. Brooke has over 16 years of clinical experience,
training, and education in the field of social work and child development. She
founded Therapyology in 2016, where their mission is devoted to “empowering
the next generation” by helping kids and teens develop healthy coping skills
to manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors and truly develop their
sense of identity!
Co-hosted by: Therapyology and Shalom Hartman Institute of North America
If you or any family member need accommodations in order to successfully
participate in the program, please reach out to our team!
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View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/9524

A Blue and White Challah Bake with JFamily and Aish Detroit
2025-02-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Aish Detroit 25725 Coolidge Hwy, Oak Park
Now SOLD OUT!
Join Aish Detroit and JFamily for a challah bake that brings us together in a
supportive environment when we need it most. At a time that we mourn for our
people, it is our Jewish connection and traditions that bring us strength.
Each family will make their own batch of challah – some to take home and some
to give to friends or family who could use an extra hug this week.
Bagels and coffee will be served. This is event is free of charge –
registration is required.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/10905

Detroit Jewish Film Festival: Matchmaking 2
2025-05-04 16:00 - 18:00 | The Berman Center For The Performing Arts 6600 W Maple Rd,
Romantic Comedy / Israel / Hebrew with English Subtitles / 110 minutes
Israel’s biggest box office hit of the year, Matchmaking 2 , is the feel-
good, long-awaited sequel to the beloved 2022 rom-com starring some of
Israel’s brightest young talents. This tender, side-splitting celebration of
clashing traditions and big-hearted characters follows a love-struck bachelor
in a Jerusalem yeshiva, pressured to find his soulmate before it’s too late.
Presented by The Lenore Marwil Detroit Jewish Film Festival
Sponsors: Adat Shalom Synagogue Sisterhood; Jewish Senior Life of
Metropolitan Detroit
National Council of Jewish Women, Michigan; The Women of Temple Israel; The
J’s Opening the Doors
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/11183

Detroit Jewish Film Festival: The Ring
2025-05-08 16:00 - 18:00 | The Berman Center For The Performing Arts 6600 W Maple Rd,
Drama / Israel, Hungary / Hebrew and Hungarian with English subtitles / 120
minutes
Arnon Noble, a devout man with a strong bond to his mother, a Holocaust
survivor, embarks on a journey to Hungary with his estranged daughter to seek
a legendary ring that once saved her life. Written by and starring Ophir
Award-winning actor and beloved stand-up comedian Adir Miller, The Ring is
based on his own family’s story of Holocaust survival.
Presented by The Lenore Marwil Detroit Jewish Film Festival
Sponsors: CHAIM-Children of Holocaust Survivors Association in Michigan;
The Voice/Vision Holocaust Survivor Oral History Archive
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/11189

A Second Blue and White Challah Bake with JFamily and Aish Detroit
2025-06-23 16:00 - 17:00 | Aish Detroit 25725 Coolidge Hwy, Oak Park
Join Aish Detroit and JFamily for our second Israel-themed challah bake of the
year. Come together in a supportive environment to pray for our brothers and
sisters in Israel when they need it most. At this time of open miracles, our
renewed faith and connection to our Jewish community can bring about better
days to come.
Each family will make their own batch of challah – some to take home and some
to give to friends or family who could use some extra strength.
$18 per family covers the cost of challah making materials.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/12029

Detroit Jewish Film Festival: Technion 10 Squared
2025-06-29 16:00 - 18:00 | The Berman Center For The Performing Arts 6600 W Maple Rd,
Documentary / Israel / English and Hebrew with English subtitles / 77 minutes
The story of this institution’s hundred years on Mount Carmel provides a
fascinating prism through which to describe the history of the State of
Israel.
Exclusive film screening followed by a conversation with Scott Leemaster,
Chairman of the Technion Board of Governors and former National President of
ATS, and Larry Jackier, ATS lay leader and Detroit native.

American Technion Society will be hosting a reception before the film!
Please arrive by 3:00 PM to enjoy light bites and beverages and connect with
fellow attendees before the screening begins.
Please note: Former Technion President Peretz Lavie, who was previously
scheduled to attend this event, is no longer able to do so because of the
security situation in Israel.
Presented by The Lenore Marwil Detroit Jewish Film Festival
Platinum Film Sponsor: American Technion Society;
Gold Film Sponsor: SAJE;
Silver Film Sponsor: The Cis Maisel Center for Judaic Studies and
Community Engagement, Oakland University
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/11192

Making Sense Of The Headlines In A Tumultuous Time with Rebecca Starr
2025-09-11 12:00 - 13:15, 2025-10-30 12:00 - 13:15, 2025-11-13 12:00 - 13:15, 2025-12-04 12:00 - 13:15 | Jewish Federation of Detroit 6735 Telegraph Rd, Bloomfield Hills
MAKING SENSE OF THE HEADLINES IN A TUMULTUOUS TIME with REBECCA STARR
In-Person I Max M. Fisher Federation Building
THURSDAYS, NOON – 1:15 PM
MONTHLY: Sep. 11, Oct. 30, Nov. 13; Dec. 4
We are living in a time of information overload with a never ending new cycle.
Current events connected to Israel and the Jewish world more broadly are
important to discern and analyze
in real time while also making the time to process them for deeper
understanding. This class will look at current headlines and offer
participants an opportunity to discuss their implications.
Tuition: $80
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/12232

Layers Of Time: Israeli Archaeology And History with Dr. Michael Pytlik
2025-10-21 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-10-28 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-11-04 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-11-11 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-11-18 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-12-02 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-12-09 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-12-16 13:00 - 14:30
LAYERS OF TIME: ISRAELI ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORY with DR. MICHAEL PYTLIK
ZOOM
TUESDAYS, 1 – 2:30 PM
Oct. 21, 28; Nov. 4, 11, 18; Dec. 2, 9, 16
Join archaeologist Mike Pytlik for an ALL-NEW engaging class exploring the
latest archaeological discoveries in Israel! This series will delve into
groundbreaking findings, highlighting the region’s rich
history and cultural heritage. Participants will be introduced to recent
excavations, ancient artifacts and significant historical sites that have been
uncovered, offering insights into the lives of past civilizations. We also
will explore various viewpoints on ancient Jewish history that may not be
directly linked to any specific archaeology but are important knowledge. Don’t
miss out on this brand-new curriculum!
Tuition: $195
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/12215
Click here to join the livestream.
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Little Explorers: Discovering Israel
2026-01-11 15:30 - 17:00 | The J – Detroit 6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield
Discover Israel with your youngest explorers!
Join JFamily, Federation’s Israel and Overseas and our community Shinshinim
for an exciting trip to Tel Aviv! Learn about all the hidden gems of this
amazing city through play stations, crafts and songs. Kid friendly snacks will
be provided.
$18 per family. Space is limited.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13847
